'CSI' Alum George Eads to Co-Star in 'MacGyver'

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David Von Ancken will take over directing the pilot, as James Wan has a scheduling conflict.

CBS' MacGyver reboot is beginning to take shape.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation alum George Eads is returning to the network and will co-star in the network's MacGyver, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Additionally, David Von Ancken (Code Black, Hell on Wheels, Tut) will take over for James Wan and direct the pilot. (Wan has a scheduling conflict and is in postproduction on The Conjuring 2, but he will remain an executive producer on the potential series.)

Described as a re-imagining of the television series of the same name, the reboot follows a 20-something MacGyver as he gets recruited into a clandestine organization where he uses his knack for solving problems in unconventional ways to help prevent disasters from happening.

Eads, who is the first person cast in the pilot, will take on the role of Lincoln, a man who could easily be written off as an eccentric conspiracy theorist, but he's a legit government employee with a great capability for compassion.

The casting brings Eads back to CBS, where he spent 15 seasons starring as Nick Stokes. (The actor, who took a leave of absence in 2013, did not return for September's two-hour series finale.) Eads is repped by APA.